Some of the Most Inspiring Trainers in Austin
All great personal trainers inspire their clients in one way or another, but we wondered: what inspires them?
Melissa Gatto
What stands out for us is that Melissa Gatto teaches two completely different disciplines, CrossFit L2 and Pilates, and she also is a nutrition coach. Want to take her class? You can find her at CrossFit Central or Align Austin and soon to be at Equinox.
At ALIGN Austin
Melissa, what inspires you?
“Determination and positive change is what inspires me. Whether it’s a small mental shift, or a big physical change, the motivation my clients have to better their lives is my inspiration to keep doing what I love!”
How does Melissa inspire you?
“Melissa has been coaching me for almost two years and has taught me how to push myself to become stronger and more driven in and out of the gym. She emphasizes training smartly, eating consistently well and according to my body, and regular recovery. Melissa inspires and motivates me every week at our personal sessions! Most of all, she leads by example and holds herself to the same mental and physical standards as her clients.” — Rita H.
At CrossFit Central Downtown
David Braswell
He stands out because of his multi-discipline background. He was a U.S. Marine Veteran that served in Operation Enduring Freedom, a junior Olympic medalist, and operating his own business that continues to expand. He also was crowned Austin’s fittest man in a competition by Austin Fit Magazine, but don’t let David Braswell’s chiseled physique fool you, he’s a teddy bear on the inside.
At Outright Fitness
David B., what inspires you?
“The first that comes to mind is the memories of my late father. Children typically mimic what they see. When my dad wasn't playing racquetball or chess, I saw him exercising most mornings on the weekends while loudly playing records of Pattie Labelle, Billy Ocean and other classics. Before he passed, his last words to me was, ‘son, take care of yourself.’
I'm also inspired by my older clients who are 50+. Especially when I see them display focus, determination, and effort regardless of comparison with others. So many people allow the perceived opinions of others control their effort and motivation. So I'm inspired when I see clients walk into a space where they're not the fastest, strongest, etc. and give their best effort and focus like no one is in the gym. The current state of fitness is oversaturated with the idea that we need to always be in competition with everyone in every workout. The key to winning the long game is sustainable consistency.”
How does David B. inspire you?
“I love this question because that’s exactly what coach David does: Inspire everyone that walks into Outright Fitness! His life experiences have taught him that motivation comes from within and no amount of positive — or negative — ‘cheering’ from a trainer is as powerful as true inspiration. His genuine positivity and undying curiosity to find new ways to challenge and improve both his clients and himself set him apart from the many elite Austin trainers!” — Craig D.
Mallory Brooks
How does she find the time? She’s a mother, a record-breaking trail runner, and also produces five trail races a year with her husband through their company, Spectrum Trail Racing. There’s no excuses or letdowns that you can give this running coach. She’s got you beat.
Mallory, what inspires you to run?
“To test myself. Am I stronger than yesterday? Did my bravery override my fear of failure? Was I able to embrace a heavy heart beat and fatigued legs or did I curse this body? And will I be able to show up to do it all over again tomorrow?”
How does Mallory inspire you?
“Perhaps the reason that she resonates with so many of the athletes she trains is that her positive energy is absolutely genuine and endemic to her entire life.” — Laura B.
David Garza
He’s not just an instructor, he’s like a spiritual motivator. David Garza’s completed countless IRONMAN’s and has been teaching in Austin for over a decade. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to one of his 13 spin classes during the week at LOVE Cycling or punching and kicking a heavy bag at Knockout Austin, you’re going to get 110 percent from David — and he expects that from you too.
At LOVE Cycling
David G., what inspires you?
“Good question, what inspires me, hmm. There are many things that inspire me, a few come to mind. Watching the human will overcome pain and challenges, like I see and do in Ironman races. My children inspire me to see life through different lenses which in turn makes me want to spend more time with them. My past, when I didn’t have much, and went through some tough times in life, inspires me to strive for a better version of me, which helps me show up everyday in a way to uplift, inspire others and create a positive lifestyle.
The people who inspire me are The Rock, Muhammad Alli, and Bruce Lee.
My clients inspire me by always showing up and working hard no matter what they have gone through or have done to workout with me. The best is when clients go out and challenge themselves with goals they set and achieve them despite the many challenges they face.”
How does David G. inspire you?
“David is inspiring because of two things: his commitment and his spirit. David doesn’t just teach a spin class, he teaches mindfulness, positivity, resilience, thoughtfulness, perspective and grace — all in 45 minutes! Most recently, David’s been pushing the idea on us that no matter what we’re facing, we were made for it. And whatever it is, we will come out better on the other side.
I’m committed to show up week after week because I know David will too, and he’ll pull me along to a better mental and physical state before class ends.” — Chelsie